Sanremo, Italy – Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG finally conquered the Milan-San Remo on Saturday, overcoming a late crash to secure his first victory in the iconic Italian monument. The win, his 110th career victory, marks a significant achievement for the world champion, making him the only active rider to have won four of cycling’s five Monument Classics. Whereas, the hard-fought triumph may similarly be his last, as Pogačar hinted at a potential retirement from the race, citing the grueling training regimen and inherent risks associated with the event.
The 2026 Milan-San Remo was far from straightforward for Pogačar. A crash with 33km remaining threatened to derail his chances, but a determined ride, supported by his team, saw him rejoin the peloton and ultimately outpace Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling) in a thrilling sprint finish. The victory ends years of near misses – previous finishes of 12th, 5th, 4th, and two third-place results – and solidifies Pogačar’s place among cycling’s elite.
The revelation that this could be Pogačar’s final participation in Milan-San Remo came shortly after the finish line. Pidcock shared that Pogačar told him, “now that he’s won, he’s not going to come back,” playfully adding, “So what motorbike am I going to have to sit behind?” This surprising admission underscores the immense effort and dedication Pogačar invested in mastering a race that had previously eluded him.
The Toll of La Primavera
Pogačar’s potential decision to step away from Milan-San Remo stems from the demanding preparation required for the race. Living in Monaco, approximately 40km from San Remo, he regularly undertook reconnaissance rides to familiarize himself with the course. However, these training sessions weren’t without their challenges. “It’s really hard to proceed training to San Remo all the winter,” Pogačar explained, highlighting the mental and physical strain. He credited the support of Florian Vermeersch and retired Italian pro Niccolò Bonifacio for providing valuable insights into the race’s nuances.
Beyond the training demands, Pogačar expressed concerns about safety on Italian roads. “Basically you risk your life a little bit every training you go here,” he stated, acknowledging the often-hazardous traffic conditions. While acknowledging improvements in bike paths, he emphasized the inherent risks associated with training on public roads. This concern, coupled with the intense focus required for the race, appears to have contributed to his contemplation of retirement from Milan-San Remo.
A Race Unlike Any Other
Milan-San Remo is often described as the hardest race to win, despite appearing deceptively simple. Pogačar echoed this sentiment, suggesting that it’s perhaps the hardest Classic to train for, psychologically. “It costs a lot of effort mentally also toward this race,” he confirmed. “It is one of the most unpredictable races I ever did. I think it is one of the most unpredictable races in the world.” He emphasized the relief of finally securing the victory after years of relentless pursuit.
The Slovenian rider acknowledged the significance of the win, calling it “definitely one of the biggest wins in my career.” However, he admitted needing time to fully process the accomplishment. “I need to sleep on it a little bit,” he said, adding that the final sprint against Pidcock was “crazy” and that he was unsure of the outcome even after crossing the finish line.
Pogačar’s victory at Milan-San Remo is a testament to his resilience and determination. He overcame adversity, including a crash, to claim a coveted title. While his future participation in the race remains uncertain, his triumph will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his illustrious career. The win also marks the first Milan-San Remo victory in the history of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, as reported by UAE Team Emirates.
As Pogačar reflects on his achievement, the cycling world awaits his decision regarding future participation in Milan-San Remo. Whether he chooses to return or not, his 2026 victory will forever be etched in the history of the race. The coming weeks will likely see further analysis of his comments and speculation about his future racing plans.
What are your thoughts on Pogačar’s potential retirement from Milan-San Remo? Share your opinions in the comments below.
